Quota should be based on economic status, says Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda

The problem with caste-based quota is that the ones who are really eligible in terms of economic backwardness remain behind, Gowda said

Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on Monday suggested that caste-based reservation should end, making a case for quotas to be given on the economic backwardness of people.

He was reacting to the ongoing movements by the Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Kurubas who are seeking a revision in their quota status.

“Only those with economic backwardness should get reservation and we should move in that direction,” Gowda told reporters. “The Centre has introduced a 10% economically weaker section (EWS) quota. We’re taking this to a logical end.”

The Veerashaiva-Lingayats are rallying to get included under the national OBC list that will give them a share in the 27% reservation in central jobs and educational institutions. Also, the Panchamasali sub-sect is asking to be put under Category 2A of the state quota. In addition to that, the Kurubas are agitating to get ST status at the national level.

“I have said this in the past: the ongoing agitation for reservations will only cause harm to the society and administration,” Gowda said.

“True, the Constitution came up with reservation based on the situation that existed back then. But times have changed and the world has become smaller. People have found their own ways to grow. The problem with caste-based quota is that the ones who are really eligible in terms of economic backwardness remain behind. So, the eligibility (for reservation) should not be based solely on caste, but the economic condition,” he explained.

Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan said the current demands put forth by communities should be scientific and justified. “Any revision of reservation should be taken up as per guidelines, irrespective of the caste which demands it,” he said.

The government, he said, was trying to fulfill the demands through the Backward Classes Commission. “There are aspirations expressed by various communities over reservation. We can't question that.”